Combination drugs work in more than one way. Beta agonists stimulate Beta 1 receptors in the heart and Beta 2 receptors in the lungs & bronchial airway. Corticosteroids help make proteins that aid chemical messagers reduce swelling, redness, and pain.

"Corticosteroids provide anti&#45;inflammatory relief for many different conditions and come in drug forms such as tablets, inhalers, eye&#45;drops, and others. <br><br>
The body normally responds to inflammation or cell damage by producing white blood cells and chemical messengers to fight an infection or repair damage. However, in some cases, the surge of all of these substances to a localized area of the body can cause symptoms of inflammation and damage to the bodyâ¬"s tissues. <br><br>
Corticosteroids bind to steroid receptors inside cells and form a tightly joined group. When the steroid&#45;receptor &#34;group&#34; is activated, it moves inside the cell&#39;s nucleus where it is able to control the cellâ¬"s ability to make proteins. The proteins that are made decrease inflammatory chemical messengers and reduce symptoms of inflammation like swelling, redness, pain and others."

What is this medicine?

FLUTICASONE; SALMETEROL (floo TIK a sone; sal ME te role) inhalation is a combination of two medicines that decrease inflammation and help to open up the airways of your lungs. It is used to treat COPD. This medicine is also used to treat asthma. Do NOT use for an acute asthma attack. Do NOT use for a COPD attack.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:-bone problems-immune system problems-diabetes-heart disease or irregular heartbeat-high blood pressure-infection-pheochromocytoma-seizures-thyroid disease-worsening asthma-an unusual or allergic reaction to fluticasone, salmeterol, other corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives-pregnant or trying to get pregnant-breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is inhaled through the mouth. Rinse your mouth with water after use. Make sure not to swallow the water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not use a spacer device with this inhaler. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:-aminophylline or theophylline-antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS-diuretics-medicines for colds-medicines for depression or emotional conditions-medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole-medicines for the heart like metoprolol, propanolol-medicines for weight loss including some herbal products-other medicine for breathing problems-pimozide-some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, linezolid, and telithromycin-vaccines

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away. Do not use this medicine more than every 12 hours.

If you have asthma, be aware that using this medicine may increase your risk of dying from asthma- related problems. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medicine. NEVER use this medicine for an acute asthma attack.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or health care professional that you are using this medicine. Try not to come in contact with people with the chicken pox or measles. If you do, call your doctor.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:-allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue-chest pain-dizziness or lightheaded-fever or chills-irregular heartbeat-vision problems

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):-coughing, hoarseness, throat irritation-headache-nervousness-stomach problems-stuffy nose-tremor

Where should I keep my medicine?

Advair: Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Do not leave your medicine in the heat or sun. Throw away 1 month after you open the package or whenever the dose indicator reads 0, whichever comes first. Throw away unopened packages after the expiration date.